Go to Accounts (I got to Accounts by right-clicking on the icon in the system tray)

Click the Add button

For the Protocal, choose: IRC

For the Server: irc.freenode.net

If you have a Screen name (a “nick”), type it in as your Username (If you don’t own one yet, make one up)

Click on the Advanced tab, and fill in the Real name field

Check the Use SSL box, if you like

Click the Save button

join channel: ##noisebridge:

In the "freenode-connect" tab that appeared in Pidgin, type: '/j ##noisebridge' (without the quotes)

So that no one else can use your nick, you can register your nickname at freenode.net

Hacking on IRC

Some members only want IRC to be used to discuss hacking. To satisfy this we have developed a system to ensure that all discussions are about hacking.

Say, "I am wondering about (topic)"

Then say, "Can we do some (topic) hacking?"

For example, "Wow, can you believe that (recent drama) happened in the space" is not correct.
The correct approach would be, "We really need to do some drama hacking. Can you believe that (recent drama) happened in the space?"

Congratulations, you have just been excellent to other members by only talking about hacking in the IRC channel.